Happenings in the Hive

Transcription

1 Happenings in the Hive Page 1 Simonds High Alumni Newsletter March 2015 Contents Is it Spring Yet? Welcome 1 News & Views 2 News & Views 3 Seabees Home & Away 4 What Happened to 5 Alumni Involved 6 Simonds Now! 7 President s Message Wow! I cannot believe 2015 is here and Spring is right around the corner (we hope!). This winter has definitely given us a run for our money. Between snow storms and huge piles of snow that seem to have taken over our world, I know everyone is looking forward to some warmth from the sun, the vitamin D that we all need, the need to see grass or the blooms of flowers, but most of all.the need to shed our big, bulky clothing and dig out our sneakers and sweaters and feel a little lighter. So far this year has been bringing us some great things with the Simonds High Alumni. Our Annual Valentine s Dance was a HUGE success!! Weather didn t keep us from having a good time! So many great compliments and stories from guests, we can t wait for next year! The Simonds High open house was held in February and turned out to be a big event. Lots of junior high students touring our school, having to make that difficult decision of which high school to attend.and the Alumni was honored to be a part of it. We have been getting more involved inside Simonds with current students and faculty. Currently working on refurbishing our Grad composites, working with Team Green, the Environmental Club, on our trees, and also the Wall of Fame. We love that we are able to help and be more of a presence inside our school. We plan to continue our involvement and hopefully be a huge part in what makes Simonds High the greatest school that it is. Looking forward to great things!! Alumni Committee Contacts: Erin McPhee erin1@nbnet.nb.ca Jill Eckstone jill.eckstone@nbed.nb.ca Judy Chapman chapmanb@nbnet.nb.ca Caitlin Robertson Caitlin_michelle.robertson@unb.ca Colleen Nobles colleen_nobles@hotmail.com Tammy Kilpatrick tamkilp@yahoo.ca Cathy Allen cathy_d_allen@yahoo.ca Kara (Nobles) McCann - nobles_kara@hotmail.com Joleen Searle - joleen.searle@unb.com Mike Vincent - mav@nb.sympatico.ca Troy Richard - thrich@rogers.com Chris Bartlett gwennsie@hotmail.com

2 News & Views Page 2 There is always something happening in the hive. We never seem to give ourselves enough credit, and with that in mind, this section of our newsletter will highlight those people who make Simonds better! Old Yearbooks! Still searching for that special gift for a friend, relative, or even yourself? The Simonds Alumni Committee still has yearbooks from most years (only a few years are sold out). What a memorable gift that would make! Where else can you get such a special gift for $35 and up (no tax) for yearbooks up to and including 2014? (Newer years may cost slightly more). For more information or to see if your year is still available contact Judy Chapman chapmanb@nbnet.nb.ca Simonds Memorial Grove Over several years Simonds has planted trees in memory of several teachers and students who have passed away. Recently, the Simonds Alumni decided to partner with the school Environmental Club and couple of local businesses to plan some improvements to the school grounds. This initiative will take place over a couple years. As part of this plan, we are hoping to have some more trees donated and planted in our Memorial Grove. We are seeking individuals or grad-class years who wish to donate a tree in memory of one or more individuals. We invite classes who are planning reunions for this or upcoming years to please consider placing a memorial tree in the grove. What a beautiful way in which to remember a classmate/friend/family member. Inside the school, there is a plaque with the name plates honoring those remembered. The approximate cost of a tree is $150. As determined by funds, some trees will be ordered in early May; planting of these trees in the grove will occur in mid to the end of May. Yellow maples with a backdrop of green climbing vines will showcase our green and gold school colours. Other plans to improve the school grounds include an improved landscaped area with flowers and benches in front of C building, improvements to current benches, increased tree wind-block around the sports field and more. Please message Judy Chapman (chapmanb@nbnet.nb.ca) or any member of the Alumni Committee if you would like to make a donation and be a part of this worthwhile initiative to give back to your school. Next planting of memorial trees will occur in the spring of 2015 so that the roots have an opportunity to develop well prior to winter. Retired Teacher? There is still a lot to talk about! Why not get together with those you taught with for years?! Here is your chance! The group of retired teachers from Simonds usually meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (days alternate) at 12:30 PM for lunch and socializing. Lots of activities are planned and a great time is had by all. Be sure to call us and attend a few of the events. More information will follow in future newsletters! If you are interested in further details, please contact Cathy MacDonald (ceileenm@nb.sympatico.ca). The Freebee Room For several years Simonds High School has had a Freebee (named after Seabee) Room. It is a room where supplies such as toiletries, nonperishable food items - especially canned goods, teen clothing, prom dresses and school supplies are stored and can be given to Simonds High students in need. In January, a team of volunteers from the SHS Alumni Committee and the Educational Assistants at Simonds worked together to clean and better organize this room. Now, it is easier to assess what needs to be replenished. As well, students going to the Freebee Room can more readily see what is available. Supplies are always needed. If you have anything you are willing to donate to the Freebee Room, please contact Lori Hayes (lori.hayes@nbed.nb.ca), Jill Eckstone (jill.eckstone@nbed.nb.ca) or Brad MacDonald (brad.macdonald@nbed.nb.ca) by or by phone at Any donations are appreciated. Alumni Abroad: Have you dreamed about travelling to Europe? You are in luck! A couple of new adult trips are being organized by Judy Chapman. There will be a 2015 trip (Jewels of Alpine Europe) departing on August 3; parts of Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany & Austria will be visited. The scenery through the Alps will be spectacular! There will also be a trip to Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Sorrento with a possible 2-day extension to Costa del Sol, departing on October 14, Judy has lots of travel experience, having organized 17 trips to Europe and 5 trips to New York for Simonds students and 2 adult tours to Europe so far; she invites any interested alumni to join our adult travel group. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Judy at chapmanb@nbnet.nb.ca or for more details.

3 News & Views Con t Page 3 Simonds High Scholarship Fund SHOUTING OUT TO THE CLASS OF 1983! Upcoming Reunions for 2015 The Simonds High Scholarship Fund has been in existence for many years. The money from that fund has been used to recognize many excellent Simonds graduates and give them some funds toward their post-secondary education - whether it be a university, community college or another educational institution. Any assistance is appreciated by the students. You may have even been a recipient of this funding. The Simonds Alumni Committee donates money each year to use for scholarships from this fund. Many people donate to the SHS Scholarship fund in memory of a loved one who has passed away; what a great way to "pay-it-forward! If you wish to donate to this fund and "give back" to your school, you may send your donation to The Simonds High Scholarship Fund, 1490 Hickey Rd., Saint John, NB., E2J 4E7. An income tax receipt will be issued for your donation. Thank you in advance for your support of your school! Teacher Appreciation Week Teacher Appreciation Week was in mid- February. To recognize our dedicated teachers at Simonds, the alumni brought them some nice treats and a thank-you note. To all of our past and current teachers at Simonds, we are grateful to you! You have helped shape us into who we are today. HAPPY 50+/- BIRTHDAY!!! SAVE August 15th on your calendar 7:00 p.m. at Rothesay Avenue Billiards Come and celebrate with all your Birthday Buddies! Drinks, Cake, Food! DJ, 50/50 Draw, Toonie Toss Our Famous Photo Booth with LOTS of great new props! Pool Tournament ($5 per person) winning team wins pot! Bring a guest, Bring your spouse, Bring a Date... Everyone's welcome (19 or older)!!! Cost $10 per person Ducks Unlimited Canada Wetland Project Class of Year reunion to be held in the summer of Tentatively, it will be on Friday, July 3rd. More details will be available soon. Class of 1995: A 20-year reunion is planned. More details will be announced soon. Class of 1990: A 25-year reunion is planned. For more details, please check out the face book page for Simonds High Class of Class of 1985: A 30-year reunion is planned for June 27th at The Ale House beginning at 7PM. More details will be posted on the face book page: Reunion for the 1985 Graduation class of Simonds High School Class of 1980: On July 4, 2015, there will be a 35-year reunion for this class at the Function Junction (private room at the 3-Mile). For more information and to reconnect with your classmates, please check the very active Simonds Class of 1980 face book page. Class of 1975: Tentative reunion date will be either July 18 or July 25, More details will be announced soon on their face book page: Simonds High Grad Class 1975 Class of 1965: On the weekend of June 26-28, 2015 there will be a special 50-year reunion celebration for this class. There will be a social on the Friday night at Bayside Middle School and a dinner and dance at the Masonic Temple, Germain St on the Saturday night. Other events for Saturday afternoon and Sunday are being finalized. A beautiful website ( has been created to keep grads informed of the weekend's events. Simonds High School is involved in a very exciting ecological partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to convert the wetland area around the school into a Wetlands Centre of Excellence. Some other organizations and businesses will be involved in this wonderful project spearheaded by Simonds High School teacher, Michele Banks. Other teachers and departments at the school will be involved in this endeavour as well. Not only will the students at Simonds High and other nearby schools benefit from this wetland development, but also it will be a marvelous park and attraction for the entire community! Stay tuned for more details in our June issue of the SHS Alumni News.

4 Seabees Home and Away Page 4 Seabees Home & Away (or Milestones) is compiled from submissions from our readers who have submitted items by letter, or phone as well as various public sources. These submissions will always refer to Simonds alumni; they will generally be about family milestones (births, deaths, new job opportunities, marriages, moves, appointments, accomplishments, etc). We welcome your information for future newsletters. If possible, please try to include your graduation year with your submission. Please address any entries to Judy Chapman (chapmanb@nbnet.nb.ca) or Tammy Kilpatrick (tamkilp@yahoo.ca). Alternately, entries may be mailed to Simonds High Alumni, 1490 Hickey Road, Saint John, NB, E2J 4E7 or sent as a message through our facebook group, Simonds High School Alumni. Derek Hilchie (2007) completed his Chemical Technology Diploma in 2010 from NBCC and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Physics from Saint Mary's University. While in post secondary studies he did research in Bayesian Stats & Nuclear physics at SMU and Pulp and Paper research at UNB Fredericton. Derek is currently working as a carpenter s apprentice with the hopes of building his own home in the near future. Kara (Nobles) McCann (2005) and her husband, Jeff announced the arrival of their 7 lb 1-1/4 oz. son, Nolan Manning McCann on February 20, Kara is an Operating Room nurse at the Saint John Regional Hospital and Jeff is a supervisor at Dexter Construction. They reside in the Saint John area. Kara is an active member of the Simonds Alumni Committee. Jared Wilson (2007) completed the Power Engineering Technology program at NBCC in 2009 and currently works at the Point Lepreau Generating Station. Maggie (Roy) Boyle (2007) and Alex Boyle were married in Cuba on March 2, Maggie is a nurse in Orthopaedics at the Saint John Regional Hospital and Alex works in IT at Centre Beam. Amy (McGovern) Dunn (2007) and her husband, Steve, welcomed their second child, a daughter, Isla Jean, in January She is a baby sister to Aubrey. David (Dave) Gillis (1968) passed away on January 22, Dave retired in 2007 from JD Irving in Saint John after spending his entire career there. He enjoyed reading, cooking, fishing and hockey. He, and his late wife, Sally (Bardsley) Gillis travelled to many wonderful destinations down south and in Europe. Dave is survived by his children Emily Allaby and Matthew Gillis and four grandchildren, as well as siblings Shirley Mackin, Theresa Cummings, Margaret Gaudet and Paul Gillis. Rose Gallant (1964) passed away at Loch Lomond Village in Saint John on February 16, 2015 after a lengthy illness. Rose also joined her fellow grads in celebrating their 50 th reunion in July She enjoyed playing bingo and having musical gatherings with family and friends. She is survived by sisters Helen Smith, Rita Gallant, Bernice Roberts, Lona Young and May Gionet. Angela (Pridham) McLay (2004) and husband, Jeff McLay welcomed a new addition to their family. A son, Dash Stephen Ace McLay, was born on January 10, He is a brother to Blayse and Jaelyn. Angie, Jeff and family reside in Fredericton, NB. Robert (Bob) Garnett (1964) passed away on February 15, 2015 in Palliative Care at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Big Bob (to which he was affectionately referred) attended the Wine & Cheese Meet and Greet at his 50-year reunion last July. He owned the Wellesley Avenue Shell service station in Saint John s north end for 25 years until he retired in the fall of He also enjoyed driving a cab for Royal Taxi and showing off his city to the tourists. Bob was passionate about cars and racing them. He started racing them in the mid- 1970s at tracks in Hammond River, River Glade and Brookside. He switched to Open Wheel racing in 2003 and was a member of the Atlantic Open Wheel Association. He, and his friends on his team, enjoyed racing at many tracks in the Maritimes and had many fun mis-adventures there and back. Big Bob is survived by his children Kerry Garnett of Saint John and Peter Garnett of Alberta as well as siblings Burt Smith, Deborah Perry, Nancy White and Pam Penninger. Erin (McGovern) McGrath (2009) and husband, Pat McGrath (2009), have a new son, Sawyer McGrath, born in September This lovely family resides in Saint John. Rebecca (DeLong) Fitzpatrick (2008) married John Fitzpatrick in a lovely wedding on New Year s Eve Becca graduated from UNBSJ in 2012 as a nurse. Her husband, John, is an investment advisor at TD. They live in the Saint John area. Erin (Cooper) Fraser (2000), husband, Brad, and daughter Addie, now reside in Hampton, NB. Erin is a speech therapist and Brad is an RCMP officer. Jen (Kelly) Barnett (2000) is a great multi-tasker and entrepreneur. She and her husband, Matt, are proud parents of 17-month old son, Jacob. Jen is a banking advisor, but also owns Shimmer & Shine Cleaners Ltd. and is co-owner of Shabby Chic Boutique. They live in Quispamsis, NB. John Chisholm (1964) passed away in Calgary on January 3, 2015 after battling a very aggressive cancer for 3 months. John, a computer enthusiast, started his career with KC Irving Corporation. He moved on to work with IBM in Montreal from where he traveled the world as a troubleshooter for their operating systems. As a computer programmer, he was in high demand. He learned to fly with the Air Cadet Flying School while he was a student. With his telescope, he spent hundreds of hours mapping the stars and constellations. John was also talented in art and calligraphy. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and four sons: Andrew, Robert, Mark and Matthew.

5 What Ever Happened to.??? Page 5 Paul McGuire Currently living in Summerside, PEI, graduating in Paul is working for Canada Games, is married (for 26 years) and has 3 children, Connor, Gregory and Carrie. Paul has travelled to Mexico, Punta Cana. His most embarrassing moment of high school was not dating at all! Bev Harrison was his favorite teacher. His biggest accomplishment since leaving high school is staying healthy and volunteering! His favorite memory of high school was reading Rolling Stone Magazine in the library! Wildest adventure:... my wedding nite? o o o Valerie O Blenis Bizeau Living in Saint John, NB, after graduating in Valerie is a full-time mother and housewife with 2 sons and is happily married. Her favorite teacher was Mr. Ronald Horgan. Valerie s greatest accomplishments were graduating with Honors and graduating with her classmates and friends, getting married and having kids, and having fun with fam jams. Valerie s oldest son is in Grade 9 at Simonds and loves it!! Michele Sullivan Living in Burlington, Ontario, Michele graduated in 1985 and works as a Senior Insurance Broker downtown Oakville She has 2 girls (23 and almost 18) and is also a VERY PROUD NANNA!!!!! Michele is happily getting divorced from high school sweetheart Allen Danaher who turned out to be a "not so" sweetheart Was married to him for 24 years and with him since she was 16. Michele travelled to Cuba last year alone and had a blast! Most embarrassing moment from high school was getting kicked out of English class by Mr. Harley because of profanity on my jeans because I was punk! LOL! Favorite teacher was Mr. Rigby. Biggest accomplishment since leaving high school was graduating from college and having her own business and working her way up to where she is now and of course her children and granddaughter. Favorite memory from school was Graca Victoria, she's amazing and we did Tears For Fears in a competition and had a blast!!!! I think these websites/facebook are awesome to try and stay connected with people from your past if you want to. I had some very amazing friends in high school in New Brunswick and also in Ontario so I've had the best of both!!! Hopefully someone plans a reunion for the 1985 CREW!!!! Susan Corscadden DiPoce Is living in Mississauga, ON, and graduated in She is currently working as a SVP Human Resources for a software company. She is married with one daughter and has been blessed a lot in her life, Her biggest accomplishment is happily married almost 25 years and grateful for a super family. Her favorite teacher was Al Dodge. Her favorite memories are directing high school variety shows so much fun! Lots of crazies...and still dreaming them up! Sabra Dallon Howe Lives in Saint John, NB after graduating in She works as a CPA - Accountant for the Federal Gov't, Sabra has two girls who both go to Simonds - Nicole & Andrea. Sabra married high school boyfriend Steven Howe who went to Simonds as well. She traveled throughout Canada, US, some of the Caribbean Islands & Mexico. Her most embarrassing moment of high school was reading the announcements and mispronouncing a word (guess that's not too bad but at the time it was awful). Mrs. Wheaton, Mr. Murchison & Ralph Black were her favorite teachers. Her greatest accomplishment is being married to her husband for 21+ years and her two beautiful daughters. Her favorite memory of high school was hanging out with her friends during lunch hour who some still have very close friendships with. Most wild & crazy moment was skinny dipping with a bunch from school (ikkkes). Life continues Jane Buck Lives in Saint John after graduating in She works as a Claims Adjuster and has 2 boys and is married (and he teaches at Simonds High). Jane travelled to Disney which was fun. I'm sure there were many embarrassing moments but I blocked them out. Miss Hughes hands down was her favorite teacher, Her biggest accomplishment was completing her CIP designation with the Insurance Institute. MC'ing the Miss Simonds High and the Mock Trial are two of her favorite memories. Leigh Redstone o Living in Dartmouth NS, graduating in 1990, she left job as a counselor to pursue her own start up. Loving being my own boss! Leigh has 2 girls, 7 and 4 and has been married 9 years. Leigh has backpacked thru eastern Europe, then off to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand working for UNB. Most embarrassing moment of high school My hair. Oh God, the hair. Favorite teacher was Mr Little, but honestly, they all left their mark! Her biggest accomplishments are her girls and business Favorite memory of high school was lunchtime hallway chats with Martha and Miriam Walls. We're still great friends! o Wildest adventure was the Backstreets of Bangkok. After Uni, I went thru several career changes: Social Assistance caseworker, International marketing, Conference Planning, Advertising (and yes, my boss WAS Don Drapper! -drinks at 9am and smoking in the office!), Woman's Outreach worker, Youth Case worker, and entrepreneur. Wonder what the next 25 years will bring!!!

6 Alumni Involved Page 8 of 10 Page Alumni Valentine s Dance A great time was had by all at our 2 nd Annual Alumni Valentine s Dance! Although the weather tried to put a damper on things this year, more than 100 people showed up to dance away the winter blues. DJ Frick was a huge success keeping the dance floor full. Lots of memories being made at our Kissing Booth and the fun of old friends being re-united. If you missed your chance being able to attend this year s dance.keep your calendar clear for next year. We are already looking forward to it!! SHS Open House 2015 The annual Open House for Grade 8 students interested in attending Simonds High School was held on February 23, The alumni were represented in two ways at this event. We had a display of our newsletters and other information as well as a celebratory cake. In addition, several alumni participated in a basketball game between the alumni and members of the current jv and varsity teams. It was a very close game with the current SHS players winning. Those alumni participating were: Colin Daigle, Matt Connell, Drake Phillips, Brandon Donovan, Josh Forward, Colin Lucas, Devon Atkinson, Matt Bainbridge, Corey Milne, Ryan Whittaker, Evan Roberts and Christian Basuel. Guys in the Basketball Pic from L to R are: Drake Phillips, Josh Forward, Matt Connell, Brandon Donovan & Colin Daigle

7 Simonds Now!! Page 7 Page 5 of 6 The musical All Shook Up, based on the songs of Elvis Presley will be performed at Simonds by the SHS Drama group from April 22-25, The music will be great - lots of popular "golden oldies" with which to sing along or to dance in the aisle! You are welcome to The Work Room! Located across from the main office at Simonds High. The Work Room is a state-of-the art career resource centre open to all members of the public. We are here to assist you in all phases of career planning and job search. The Work Rooms can help you: Explore Career Fields Internet Access for Job Search and Online Applications Resume Writing and Cover Letters Refine your Interview Skills / Mock Interviews Assistance with Student Loan Applications Find Job Opportunities Fax Machine and Photocopier Service Available The Work Rooms are open to everyone in the community FREE OF CHARGE! 8:15am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday. (Open on in-service days) Visit us at or Give Us a Call! Helping Hands is a newly developed group created with the objective of helping those in need. Our group at Simonds High School aim to raise money and awareness for various charities by planning and creating a multitude of fundraising events. Students will be rewarded with both the feeling of self-gratitude as well as the image they will receive from postsecondary education and future employers. All students are welcome. Join the Alumni Take a moment and be certain you register your address with simondshighalumni@gmail.com Be sure to include your full (maiden if applicable) name and the year you graduated. This and the Simonds High Alumni Facebook page will be the primary way we will communicate information and events with you. Don t delay, send the and join our Facebook group today and get your name on the list. Always looking for new members of our Alumni Committee! If you can volunteer some of your time, we would love to have you onboard!

8 Simonds High School 1490 Hickey Road Saint John, NB E2J 4E7 Phone: (506) Fax: (506) We re on the Web! sh.nbed.nb.ca Hi my fellow Seabees! Have you ever gone to an event at a high school sponsored by the Alumni of that school? Was it grand? Was it impressive beyond what you expected? Isn t nice for those schools to have the volunteers to do the event properly?! It gives the place wonderful accolades to have others be impressed. Do you wonder if Simonds Alumni has this? Well we try. As I looked around our table at our last meeting, I see 5 people who are loyal to the cause. The uphill battle of doing things to impress and to do right by Simonds is always on the mind of these individuals. They give of their time and for the most part their spouses, (sometimes willing partners), to try and make the Alumni work and do it well. Has it hit you yet? I said FIVE people!!! Simonds has been graduating people since 1952, and there is only FIVE people, & spouses, doing the work! Let s see, over 60 years of graduations, great teachers, & staff SINCE 1950! And there is only 5 people maintaining the Simonds Alumni! What does this say about all these people over these many, many years?! What I am trying to say is that, if there are people out there that can take one meeting a month and/or volunteer a service to the Alumni, DO IT! It is a great place to be and makes out community stronger. It helps with our present Simonds to improve and give to the future by helping the school now. If you d support your local sport event, why would you not support your own high school? We are trying our best, but we need MORE to do it better. COME ON SEABEE S... LET S DO IT!!! Green & Gold Forever, Erin McPhee SHS Alumni President